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Romans 10-16
New Living Translation

10 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.[b] As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Salvation Is for Everyone

5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.[c] 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says,

“The message is very close at hand;
    it is on your lips and in your heart.”[d]

And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[e] 12 Jew and Gentile[f] are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[g]

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”[h]

16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[i] 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 18 But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have:

“The message has gone throughout the earth,
    and the words to all the world.”[j]

19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said,

“I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation.
    I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.”[k]

20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying,

“I was found by people who were not looking for me.
    I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.”[l]

21 But regarding Israel, God said,

“All day long I opened my arms to them,
    but they were disobedient and rebellious.”[m]

God’s Mercy on Israel

11 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”[n]

4 And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!”[o]

5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel[p] have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say,

“God has put them into a deep sleep.
To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see,
    and closed their ears so they do not hear.”[q]

9 Likewise, David said,

“Let their bountiful table become a snare,
    a trap that makes them think all is well.
Let their blessings cause them to stumble,
    and let them get what they deserve.
10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see,
    and let their backs be bent forever.”[r]

11 Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. 12 Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it.

13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, 14 for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. 15 For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! 16 And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. 18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

19 “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” 20 Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. 21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t[s] spare you either.

22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. 23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. 24 You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong.

God’s Mercy Is for Everyone

25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters,[t] so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. 26 And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say,

“The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem,[u]
    and he will turn Israel[v] away from ungodliness.
27 And this is my covenant with them,
    that I will take away their sins.”[w]

28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. 30 Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. 31 Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share[x] in God’s mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
    Who knows enough to give him advice?[y]
35 And who has given him so much
    that he needs to pay it back?[z]

36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

A Living Sacrifice to God

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[aa] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[ab] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3 Because of the privilege and authority[ac] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[ad] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[ae] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[af] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
    I will pay them back,”[ag]
    says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
    burning coals of shame on their heads.”[ah]

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Respect for Authority

13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Love Fulfills God’s Requirements

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.”[ai] These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[aj] 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

The Danger of Criticism

14 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.

5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. 6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

10 So why do you condemn another believer[ak]? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For the Scriptures say,

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bend to me,
    and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.[al]’”

12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

14 I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. 15 And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. 16 Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.[am] 22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. 23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.[an]

Living to Please Others

15 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”[ao] 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews[ap] to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:

“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing praises to your name.”[aq]

10 And in another place it is written,

“Rejoice with his people,
    you Gentiles.”[ar]

11 And yet again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
    Praise him, all you people of the earth.”[as]

12 And in another place Isaiah said,

“The heir to David’s throne[at] will come,
    and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”[au]

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s Reason for Writing

14 I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters,[av] that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. 15 Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder. For by God’s grace, 16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. 18 Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. 19 They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit.[aw] In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.[ax]

20 My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. 21 I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says,

“Those who have never been told about him will see,
    and those who have never heard of him will understand.”[ay]

22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.

Paul’s Travel Plans

23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers[az] there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia[ba] have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.

30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. 31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation[bb] I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.

33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.[bc]

Paul Greets His Friends

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia,[bd] my fellow Jews,[be] who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.[bf] Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.

14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters[bg] who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers[bh] who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

Paul’s Final Instructions

17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus[bi] be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

22 I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.

23 Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.[bj]

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets[bk] foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. 27 All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.[bl]

Footnotes

  1. 10:1 Greek Brothers.
  2. 10:4 Or For Christ is the end of the law.
  3. 10:5 See Lev 18:5.
  4. 10:6-8 Deut 30:12-14.
  5. 10:11 Isa 28:16 (Greek version).
  6. 10:12 Greek and Greek.
  7. 10:13 Joel 2:32.
  8. 10:15 Isa 52:7.
  9. 10:16 Isa 53:1.
  10. 10:18 Ps 19:4.
  11. 10:19 Deut 32:21.
  12. 10:20 Isa 65:1 (Greek version).
  13. 10:21 Isa 65:2 (Greek version).
  14. 11:3 1 Kgs 19:10, 14.
  15. 11:4 1 Kgs 19:18.
  16. 11:5 Greek for a remnant.
  17. 11:8 Isa 29:10; Deut 29:4.
  18. 11:9-10 Ps 69:22-23 (Greek version).
  19. 11:21 Some manuscripts read perhaps he won’t.
  20. 11:25 Greek brothers.
  21. 11:26a Greek from Zion.
  22. 11:26b Greek Jacob.
  23. 11:26-27 Isa 59:20-21; 27:9 (Greek version).
  24. 11:31 Other manuscripts read will now share; still others read will someday share.
  25. 11:34 Isa 40:13 (Greek version).
  26. 11:35 See Job 41:11.
  27. 12:1a Greek brothers.
  28. 12:1b Or This is your spiritual worship; or This is your reasonable service.
  29. 12:3a Or Because of the grace; compare 1:5.
  30. 12:3b Or by the faith God has given you; or by the standard of our God-given faith.
  31. 12:10 Greek with brotherly love.
  32. 12:11 Or but serve the Lord with a zealous spirit; or but let the Spirit excite you as you serve the Lord.
  33. 12:19 Deut 32:35.
  34. 12:20 Prov 25:21-22.
  35. 13:9a Exod 20:13-15, 17.
  36. 13:9b Lev 19:18.
  37. 14:10 Greek your brother; also in 14:10b, 13, 15, 21.
  38. 14:11 Or declare praise for God. Isa 49:18; 45:23 (Greek version).
  39. 14:21 Some manuscripts read to stumble or be offended or be weakened.
  40. 14:23 Some manuscripts place the text of 16:25-27 here.
  41. 15:3 Greek who insult you have fallen on me. Ps 69:9.
  42. 15:8 Greek servant of circumcision.
  43. 15:9 Ps 18:49.
  44. 15:10 Deut 32:43.
  45. 15:11 Ps 117:1.
  46. 15:12a Greek The root of Jesse. David was the son of Jesse.
  47. 15:12b Isa 11:10 (Greek version).
  48. 15:14 Greek brothers; also in 15:30.
  49. 15:19a Other manuscripts read the Spirit; still others read the Holy Spirit.
  50. 15:19b Illyricum was a region northeast of Italy.
  51. 15:21 Isa 52:15 (Greek version).
  52. 15:25 Greek God’s holy people; also in 15:26, 31.
  53. 15:26 Macedonia and Achaia were the northern and southern regions of Greece.
  54. 15:31 Greek the ministry; other manuscripts read the gift.
  55. 15:33 Some manuscripts do not include Amen. One very early manuscript places 16:25-27 here.
  56. 16:7a Junia is a feminine name. Some late manuscripts accent the word so it reads Junias, a masculine name; still others read Julia (feminine).
  57. 16:7b Or compatriots; also in 16:21.
  58. 16:11 Or compatriot.
  59. 16:14 Greek brothers; also in 16:17.
  60. 16:15 Greek all of God’s holy people.
  61. 16:20 Some manuscripts read Lord Jesus Christ.
  62. 16:23 Some manuscripts add verse 24, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Still others add this sentence after verse 27.
  63. 16:26 Greek the prophetic writings.
  64. 16:25-27 Various manuscripts place the doxology (shown here as 16:25-27) after 14:23 or after 15:33 or after 16:23.
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Romans 10-16
New International Version

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire(A) and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous(B) for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.(C) 4 Christ is the culmination of the law(D) so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(E)

5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[a](F) 6 But the righteousness that is by faith(G) says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[b](H) (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[c](I) (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).(J) 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[d](K) that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare(L) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”(M) and believe(N) in your heart that God raised him from the dead,(O) you will be saved.(P) 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[e](Q) 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile(R)—the same Lord is Lord of all(S) and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord(T) will be saved.”[f](U)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[g](V)

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.(W) For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[h](X) 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,(Y) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.(Z) 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.”[i](AA)

19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious(AB) by those who are not a nation;
    I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”[j](AC)

20 And Isaiah boldly says,

“I was found by those who did not seek me;
    I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”[k](AD)

21 But concerning Israel he says,

“All day long I have held out my hands
    to a disobedient and obstinate people.”[l](AE)

The Remnant of Israel

11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!(AF) I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham,(AG) from the tribe of Benjamin.(AH) 2 God did not reject his people,(AI) whom he foreknew.(AJ) Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”[m]?(AK) 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[n](AL) 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant(AM) chosen by grace.(AN) 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;(AO) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.(AP) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,(AQ) 8 as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
    eyes that could not see
    and ears that could not hear,(AR)
to this very day.”[o](AS)

9 And David says:

“May their table become a snare and a trap,
    a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,(AT)
    and their backs be bent forever.”[p](AU)

Ingrafted Branches

11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all!(AV) Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles(AW) to make Israel envious.(AX) 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles,(AY) how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles,(AZ) I take pride in my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy(BA) and save(BB) some of them. 15 For if their rejection brought reconciliation(BC) to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?(BD) 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits(BE) is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off,(BF) and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others(BG) and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.(BH) 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.(BI) Do not be arrogant,(BJ) but tremble.(BK) 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

22 Consider therefore the kindness(BL) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue(BM) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.(BN) 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.(BO) 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree,(BP) how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

All Israel Will Be Saved

25 I do not want you to be ignorant(BQ) of this mystery,(BR) brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited:(BS) Israel has experienced a hardening(BT) in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,(BU) 26 and in this way[q] all Israel will be saved.(BV) As it is written:

“The deliverer will come from Zion;
    he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[r] my covenant with them
    when I take away their sins.”[s](BW)

28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies(BX) for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,(BY) 29 for God’s gifts and his call(BZ) are irrevocable.(CA) 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient(CB) to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[t] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience(CC) so that he may have mercy on them all.

Doxology

33 Oh, the depth of the riches(CD) of the wisdom and[u] knowledge of God!(CE)
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!(CF)
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”[v](CG)
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”[w](CH)
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.(CI)
    To him be the glory forever! Amen.(CJ)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,(CK) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,(CL) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform(CM) to the pattern of this world,(CN) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.(CO) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is(CP)—his good, pleasing(CQ) and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

3 For by the grace given me(CR) I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,(CS) 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body,(CT) and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts,(CU) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,(CV) then prophesy in accordance with your[x] faith;(CW) 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;(CX) 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;(CY) if it is giving, then give generously;(CZ) if it is to lead,[y] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere.(DA) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.(DB) 10 Be devoted to one another in love.(DC) Honor one another above yourselves.(DD) 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,(DE) serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope,(DF) patient in affliction,(DG) faithful in prayer.(DH) 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.(DI) Practice hospitality.(DJ)

14 Bless those who persecute you;(DK) bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.(DL) 16 Live in harmony with one another.(DM) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[z] Do not be conceited.(DN)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.(DO) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.(DP) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(DQ) 19 Do not take revenge,(DR) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[aa](DS) says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[ab](DT)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,(DU) for there is no authority except that which God has established.(DV) The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,(DW) and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.(DX) 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(DY) 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(DZ)

6 This is also why you pay taxes,(EA) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;(EB) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.(EC) 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[ac](ED) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up(EE) in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[ad](EF) 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.(EG)

The Day Is Near

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come(EH) for you to wake up from your slumber,(EI) because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.(EJ) So let us put aside the deeds of darkness(EK) and put on the armor(EL) of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,(EM) not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.(EN) 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,(EO) and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[ae](EP)

The Weak and the Strong

14 Accept the one whose faith is weak,(EQ) without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.(ER) 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt(ES) the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge(ET) the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?(EU) To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another;(EV) another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God;(EW) and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone,(EX) and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.(EY) 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life(EZ) so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.(FA)

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[af]? Or why do you treat them with contempt?(FB) For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.(FC) 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’(FD) says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[ag](FE)

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.(FF)

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment(FG) on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.(FH) 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.(FI) But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.(FJ) 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.(FK) Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.(FL) 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.(FM) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,(FN) but of righteousness, peace(FO) and joy in the Holy Spirit,(FP) 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.(FQ)

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace(FR) and to mutual edification.(FS) 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.(FT) All food is clean,(FU) but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.(FV) 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.(FW)

22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn(FX) himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts(FY) is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.[ah]

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak(FZ) and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good,(GA) to build them up.(GB) 3 For even Christ did not please himself(GC) but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[ai](GD) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,(GE) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind(GF) toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify(GG) the God and Father(GH) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another,(GI) then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[aj](GJ) on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises(GK) made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles(GL) might glorify God(GM) for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”[ak](GN)

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”[al](GO)

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”[am](GP)

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse(GQ) will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”[an](GR)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace(GS) as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(GT)

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness,(GU) filled with knowledge(GV) and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me(GW) 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.(GX) He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God,(GY) so that the Gentiles might become an offering(GZ) acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus(HA) in my service to God.(HB) 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles(HC) to obey God(HD) by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders,(HE) through the power of the Spirit of God.(HF) So from Jerusalem(HG) all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.(HH) 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel(HI) where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.(HJ) 21 Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”[ao](HK)

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.(HL)

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,(HM) 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain.(HN) I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist(HO) me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem(HP) in the service(HQ) of the Lord’s people(HR) there. 26 For Macedonia(HS) and Achaia(HT) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.(HU) 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.(HV) 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain(HW) and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you,(HX) I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,(HY) to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.(HZ) 31 Pray that I may be kept safe(IA) from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution(IB) I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people(IC) there, 32 so that I may come to you(ID) with joy, by God’s will,(IE) and in your company be refreshed.(IF) 33 The God of peace(IG) be with you all. Amen.

Personal Greetings

16 I commend(IH) to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[ap][aq] of the church in Cenchreae.(II) 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord(IJ) in a way worthy of his people(IK) and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

3 Greet Priscilla[ar] and Aquila,(IL) my co-workers(IM) in Christ Jesus.(IN) 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.(IO)

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert(IP) to Christ in the province of Asia.(IQ)

6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews(IR) who have been in prison with me.(IS) They are outstanding among[as] the apostles, and they were in Christ(IT) before I was.

8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ,(IU) and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.(IV)

Greet those who belong to the household(IW) of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.(IX)

Greet those in the household(IY) of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus,(IZ) chosen(JA) in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people(JB) who are with them.(JC)

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.(JD)

All the churches of Christ send greetings.

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.(JE) Keep away from them.(JF) 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ,(JG) but their own appetites.(JH) By smooth talk and flattery they deceive(JI) the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard(JJ) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.(JK)

20 The God of peace(JL) will soon crush(JM) Satan(JN) under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.(JO)

21 Timothy,(JP) my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius,(JQ) Jason(JR) and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.(JS)

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius,(JT) whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.

Erastus,(JU) who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [at]

25 Now to him who is able(JV) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,(JW) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery(JX) hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings(JY) by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[au] faith(JZ)— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.(KA)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5
  2. Romans 10:6 Deut. 30:12
  3. Romans 10:7 Deut. 30:13
  4. Romans 10:8 Deut. 30:14
  5. Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16 (see Septuagint)
  6. Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32
  7. Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7
  8. Romans 10:16 Isaiah 53:1
  9. Romans 10:18 Psalm 19:4
  10. Romans 10:19 Deut. 32:21
  11. Romans 10:20 Isaiah 65:1
  12. Romans 10:21 Isaiah 65:2
  13. Romans 11:3 1 Kings 19:10,14
  14. Romans 11:4 1 Kings 19:18
  15. Romans 11:8 Deut. 29:4; Isaiah 29:10
  16. Romans 11:10 Psalm 69:22,23
  17. Romans 11:26 Or and so
  18. Romans 11:27 Or will be
  19. Romans 11:27 Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9 (see Septuagint); Jer. 31:33,34
  20. Romans 11:31 Some manuscripts do not have now.
  21. Romans 11:33 Or riches and the wisdom and the
  22. Romans 11:34 Isaiah 40:13
  23. Romans 11:35 Job 41:11
  24. Romans 12:6 Or the
  25. Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others
  26. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
  27. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
  28. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
  29. Romans 13:9 Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deut. 5:17-19,21
  30. Romans 13:9 Lev. 19:18
  31. Romans 13:14 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  32. Romans 14:10 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family; also in verses 13, 15 and 21.
  33. Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23
  34. Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts place 16:25-27 here; others after 15:33.
  35. Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
  36. Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision
  37. Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49
  38. Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43
  39. Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1
  40. Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10 (see Septuagint)
  41. Romans 15:21 Isaiah 52:15 (see Septuagint)
  42. Romans 16:1 Or servant
  43. Romans 16:1 The word deacon refers here to a Christian designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  44. Romans 16:3 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  45. Romans 16:7 Or are esteemed by
  46. Romans 16:24 Some manuscripts include here May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.
  47. Romans 16:26 Or that is
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